Recently I passed some leisure time on a “Word Sleuth” in the Daily Republic that focused on “National Flowers of Various Countries”.  While trying to find the listed flowers in the puzzle, I saw some that I had never heard of.  I started wondering where these flowers or plants were from and what they looked like.  Some were fairly obvious like thistle from Scotland and shamrock from Ireland.  Others were not so much.

I created my own puzzle for this blog from a list I found online.  Some countries do not have a designee.  You might be surprised.  Answers are at the end. (P.S. There is no prize.)

1. True or False  The maple leaf is the national plant for Canada.
2. List at least 2 countries for where the tulip is the national flower.
3. The Ceibo is the national flower for which South American country?
4. Several countries identify specific roses, but in general, list at least 3 countries where the rose is the national flower.
5. The cherry blossom is the national flower for which country?
6. Orchids are also popular.  List at least 2 countries for which a type of orchid is the national flower.
7. What country has the lotus as its national flower?
8. What country has the water lily as its national flower?
9. Two countries have the edelweiss flower listed as the national flower. Identify one.
10. The opium poppy is the national flower of which European nation?
11.  What is the national flower of the United States?

Answers:

1. False.  Canada hasn't designated a national flower/plant.
2. Afghanistan, The Netherlands, Gabon, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey
3. Argentina
4. Iraq, Maldives, Bulgaria, Romania, Czech Republic, England, Slovakia, Luxembourg, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Morocco, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Togo
5. Japan
6. Brazil, Hong Kong, Panama, Belize, Costa Rica, Columbia, Guatemala, Honduras, Seychelles, Singapore, Venezuela
7. Vietnam, Egypt, India, Malawi, Macao
8. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Guyana
9. Austria and Switzerland
10. Macedonia
11. The rose